DHIVA THANGATHURAI
CoFounder Rexy App | Producer | PR & Marketing Consultant | Retail Stylist | Creative Photographer | Gin Enthusiast | Blogger | Member WCBB
How many identities do you both have?
I am first and foremost a woman in my own right - a bit of a ‘Dhiva’ you could say. At home I am a long term partner to my other half Prash Nayar for almost 10 years and an overzealous middle sibling to two beautiful sisters. Professionally, I am a PR & Events coordinator, Assistant Show Producer, Gin enthusiast/writer, Co-founder of REXY App, Creative photographer, Freelance stylist, Founder & Blogger at Ginanonymous, Casual Retail staff at Generics Urban Apothecary, Member/Admin of West Coast Booze Babes Facebook Group and all around adventure seeker.
How did you start your career journey in life?
My 18 year old ambition as a doctor was crushed after I bombed in pre-med (also where I met Prash) back in 2008. I laid out the options for the next chapter and I found myself in Communications and that led to a Public Relations & Journalism minor when I came to Curtin University in 2012.
I have always loved the creative side of fashion and decided to undertake a short Fashion Styling course at TAFE where I met Ivanna Fontana who was lecturing at the time. I invited her to be a guest speaker at a PR in Fashion event I was organising and she asked me to come and work with her right after. We then went on to work on various projects including 5 Perth Fashion Festivals producing fashion shows.
In between all the fashion, I discovered my love for gin and met some incredible professionals in the hospitality industry. I started a website called Ginanonymous go share my love for fashion, gin, travel and story telling. I have also judged several gin based cocktail competitions. I also delved into Social Enterprise with Love Thread Project to use my story telling skills for a greater purpose. My latest undertaking would be a Real Estate app called REXY with my partner Prash. I have definitely dipped my feet into different waters and that itself is an adventure!
What is the motivation behind the Gin lifestyle blog?
I wanted to create a platform to be able to share my creative experiences from the fashion and hospitality industry through my own voice. So much goes on behind the scenes, a lot of real-ness that often doesn’t get shared. I wanted Ginanonymous to be able to showcase that through story-telling. I love telling stories and inspiring through an outfit, creative photos or even an Instastory! For the gin aspect in particular, it ended up becoming a thing people often associated me with. So I now endeavour to educate people on the spirit itself whilst I am on my own gin journey - again, in my own voice.
What has been your biggest hurdle in life so far?
In all honesty, I sometimes feel like I am my own biggest hurdle. We often set expectations for ourselves and over the years I just emotionally crash and burn. I have overcome that fear by just doing and not overthinking. Overthinking is just a rabbit hole of nightmares. Not going to lie, I still face that occasionally. Having faith in myself and trusting the journey has definitely helped me to cope with those emotions. I try not to overwhelm myself with too much and really pace myself with life in general. It’s like when you go out, always have a glass of water in between drinks. Trust that ‘water’ in between your drinks.
What do you believe your secret to success is, with balancing your business and personal pursuits?
I believe my good work ethics I learnt from my late mother has helped me tremendously along the way. I apply it to almost everything I do, no complaints. Being genuine is also another key secret to balancing both business and personal pursuits. I am not only hard worker but an honest one. That’s how I have built the relationships I have come to cherish - both professional and personal. As a result, I have been able to surround myself with like-minded people and that gotten me to where I am today. These special individuals whom I have the privilege to call my dear friends have challenged and allowed me to push my own boundaries.
Travelling has also helped me set the notion of good work-life balance. Take some time out for yourself. Your mind and body will thank you. I can’t say no to a good hike or camping adventure down south!
What advice would you give to other women out there who want to step outside their comfort zone and follow their passions but are too afraid?
Don’t be afraid to fail. That is the best advice I can give to anyone. It’s a fear that can almost cripple you. Pave your own path for success because there is no one right way to define success for yourself. Reach out to people who inspire you or challenge you. When you throw yourself in the deep end, more often than not you will surprise yourself with your strengths.